Creating Positive Impact and Fostering Collaboration: A Journey of My Leadership as the YouthMappers Regional Ambassador for the Africa Region

Acknowledgement: This post was delayed in publication and may contain outdated information. We appreciate your understanding.

Introduction

Embarking on a geospatial journey as the YouthMappers Regional Ambassador, I navigated the diverse landscapes of empowerment and leadership from June to December 2023 and the exciting start of 2024. Steering the ship through two dynamic quarters, the journey unfolded as a testament to the resilience, inclusivity, and global synergy of the YouthMappers network. In this blog, we delve into the series of events—from welcoming and training members at various universities to orchestrating impactful GIS celebrations in Sierra Leone to virtual engagements. The narrative encapsulates the milestones, challenges, success stories, and personal anecdotes that defined my role as the Regional Ambassador. Join me in reflecting on a transformative year, where geospatial knowledge became a beacon of empowerment for the YouthMappers community and beyond.

Quarter 1: Nurturing Minds and Building Leaders (June - September 2023)

YouthMappers Chapter Leaders Engagement (June 24, 2023)

The journey commenced in June with the YouthMappers Chapter Leaders Engagement, which aimed to foster chapter leaders’ networks and collaborate in addressing the challenges and needs of YouthMappers chapters in Sierra Leone. The YouthMappers Chapter Leaders Engagement served as a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among the chapter presidents in Sierra Leone. It highlighted the commitment of the Regional Ambassador and the entire YouthMappers community to address the challenges faced by chapters and empower them to create positive change. This set the stage for a quarter marked by leadership seminars, virtual global summits, and hands-on workshops. Together, we explored the nuances of mentorship, delved into leadership fundamentals, and empowered participants with practical geospatial skills.

Leadership Seminar at Fourah Bay College (August 1, 2023):

August unfolded with a landmark Leadership Seminar and OpenStreetMap training hosted by the Students’ Geographical Association YouthMappers at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. The event's theme, "Mapping for Empowerment: Building Strong Leaders with Geospatial Skills," resonated as I (Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo) and Gibril Ahmed Sesay from OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone delved into leadership fundamentals and the art of effective communication. The session not only sharpened geospatial skills but also instilled a sense of leadership among participants through hands-on training on the OpenStreetMap interface.

Speaker at 2023 YouthMappers Summit Uganda (September 16–17, 2023):

September marked a global engagement as I took the virtual stage as a speaker at the 2023 YouthMappers Summit in Uganda. The topic, "Mentorship and Leadership," explored facets of mentorship, the qualities of a good leader, and the nuances that distinguish leaders from mere bosses. The session resonated with an international audience, adding layers to the global landscape of YouthMappers' mission and objectives.

Empowering Rainbo Initiative with OpenStreetMap and Mobile Applications Training (September 5–7, 2023)

Early September witnessed a hands-on workshop at the Rainbo Initiative Head Office in Freetown. I was a co-facilitator with Gibril Ahmed Lansana. The training covered the fundamentals of the OpenStreetMap project, ID-EDITOR, and the application of Maps.Me and KoboToolbox. The initiative aimed at arming participants with practical geospatial skills for diverse applications and initiatives.

YouthMappers Regional Ambassadors' Webinar Series (September 23–24, 2023)

A significant highlight in Quarter 1 was the inception of the YouthMappers Regional Ambassadors' Webinar Series. Held virtually on September 23–24, the event featured an esteemed lineup of facilitators who are YouthMappers Regional Ambassadors, including Erick Tamba from Tanzania, Maya Lovo from Mexico, Victor Ademoyero from Nigeria, and Nishan Kumar Aryal from Nepal. Special guest Elodie Nix, YouthMappers Technical Project Manager, added depth to the discussions. The topics spanned Introduction to GIS, OpenStreetMap, Mapping for Community Development, QGIS, and Remote Sensing. With an estimated 100+ attendees, the event aimed at equipping students and mapping enthusiasts with geospatial knowledge and leadership skills.

Quarter 2: Impactful GIS Celebrations and Inclusive Collaboration (October - December 2023)

GIS Day 2023 Celebration in Sierra Leone (November 15, 2023)

November unfolded with a collaborative display of the first GIS Day celebration in Sierra Leone. Hosted at the Central University Campus, Mile 91, the event saw active participation from YouthMappers chapters including Central University YouthMappers, Njala University YouthMappers, University of Makeni YouthMappers, Eastern Technical University YouthMappers, and Students’ Geographical Association YouthMappers Fourah Bay College USL. The theme, "From Maps to Action: GIS for Sustainable Development," set the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions, practical training, and a panel discussion. Distinguished speakers, including Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo, YouthMappers Regional Ambassador, Mr. Stephen from OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone, and representatives from prominent entities like Leone Rock Mining Company, Miro Forestry Company Sierra Leone, and the Central University Students Affairs' Director, graced the event. The GIS Day Celebration acted as a pivotal platform, bridging the gap between maps and actionable solutions for sustainable development.

Freshers' Orientation at Njala University (December 15, 2023)

On December 15, 2023, the Njala University YouthMappers Chapter orchestrated a Freshers' Orientation and OpenStreetMap Training at the Njala Campus in Makonde, Sierra Leone. Led by Chapter President Balla Koroma and the executive team, the event aimed at acclimating new members to the YouthMappers network and imparting the significance of geospatial contributions. The orientation session provided an insightful overview of YouthMappers' global impact, emphasizing collaboration, skill development, and community engagement. The training session featured a hands-on exploration of the OpenStreetMap interface under the guidance of experienced chapter leaders. New members were warmly welcomed, showcasing the chapter's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

OpenStreetMap Training and Leadership Seminar at Eastern Technical University (December 16, 2023

December witnessed a multifaceted event hosted by the Eastern Technical University YouthMappers Chapter. Combining an OpenStreetMap workshop with a Leadership Transition Seminar at the university's campus in Kenema City, the initiative aimed to provide participants with a holistic experience. Led by the outgoing chapter president, Lamin Momoh, the workshop immersed attendees in hands-on sessions, offering practical proficiency in leveraging OpenStreetMap and other geospatial tools. The Leadership Transition Seminar marked a pivotal moment, unveiling the new leadership team for the 2023/2024 term. The chapter showcased its commitment to diversity and inclusion by appointing a female chapter president, underscoring its dedication to fostering an environment that values individuals from diverse backgrounds. The chapter's active engagement at the 2023 YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship Summit in Jamaica by Lamin Momoh as a fellow highlighted its commitment to advancing discussions on geospatial technology, community development, and leadership.

Virtual Engagement with the University of Ghana (December 20, 2023)

Closing the year on a virtual note, the University of Ghana YouthMappers hosted an insightful engagement on December 20, 2023. Moderated by Lindsey Bonsu, one of the chapter's executive leaders, I was featured as a Special Guest. As YouthMappers Regional Ambassador based in Sierra Leone, I delved into leadership fundamentals, chapter sustainability, and effective communication, and guided participants on completing the YouthMappers Annual Report and the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship Summit application. The event transcended the confines of the University of Ghana, attracting participants from various YouthMappers chapters within the region. This inclusive approach enriched the discussions with unique perspectives and experiences.

The "Unveiling 2023 Activities and Envisioning the 2024 Activity Plans – Sri Lanka YouthMappers Chapters (January 13, 2024)

With great excitement and anticipation for the promising year of 2024, I had the distinct honor of participating as a guest speaker at the virtual event hosted by the dynamic YouthMappers Regional Ambassador for the Asia Pacific, Sajeevini Sivajothy. The event, titled "Unveiling 2023 Activities and Envisioning 2024 Plans," unfolded on January 13, 2024. As a guest speaker, my role was to provide insights into preparing students for the geospatial field. The presentation focus revolved around empowering students to actively contribute to the sustainability of YouthMappers while equipping them to address global challenges using geospatial technology.

Challenges (Both Quarters)

As I reflect on my journey as the YouthMappers Regional Ambassador for the Africa Region, it's essential to acknowledge the hurdles encountered, which, though challenging, became pivotal moments of growth and resilience. One of the prominent challenges was coordinating virtual events. The dynamic nature of online engagements often brought technical difficulties to the forefront. A common occurrence in virtual settings, these issues were also part of the journey. Issues such as internet connectivity and access to necessary tools occasionally disrupted the flow of workshops. Traveling from city hubs to remote rural areas for events or project executions posed challenges. However, with careful planning and a dedicated team, we successfully navigated these terrains, bringing geospatial awareness to every corner. The YouthMappers community's resilience in overcoming these obstacles speaks volumes about our collective commitment to geospatial knowledge and the pursuit of positive impact.

Success Stories (Both Quarters)

Success stories were abundant, ranging from the successful engagement of YouthMappers chapter leaders in Sierra Leone to orientations, trainings, and seminars held at various universities in Sierra Leone, to the impactful GIS Day Celebration. The launch of the Webinar Series marked a significant milestone, fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange with the YouthMappers community. The engagements with the University of Ghana, Sri Lanka YouthMappers Chapters, and the YouthMappers Extended Summit in Uganda demonstrated collaboration in building student leadership and community impact. Amidst the challenges and triumphs, moments of personal growth and connection stood out for Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo. The interactions during virtual engagements, the enthusiasm of new members at orientations, and the collaborative spirit during hands-on workshops contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences.

Conclusion

As the curtains draw on 2023, the comprehensive journey narrated in this blog reflects YouthMappers' unwavering commitment to nurturing geospatial leaders, fostering inclusivity, and building a global community passionate about mapping a better world. My role as Regional Ambassador remains pivotal, steering the ship through challenges and triumphs, and promising a future where geospatial knowledge becomes a beacon of empowerment for all. Challenges became stepping stones, and successes resonated as echoes of a community united by a passion for mapping a better world.

The journey continues, and the world watches as YouthMappers charts the course for a brighter, more connected future in the realm of geospatial technology.

As the YouthMappers Regional Ambassador, this journey has been more than a professional role; it has been a shared journey of learning, empowerment, and building bridges across borders. Looking ahead, the future beckons with the promise of more collaboration, more milestones, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference through geospatial knowledge. Join us in mapping not just the physical world but a world where every individual is empowered to contribute to positive change. The geospatial adventure continues, and YouthMappers, united under the spirit of mapping for a better world, marches forward into a new year of possibilities. The anecdotal stories of commitment, collaboration, and transformation serve as the compass guiding my YouthMappers journey toward new horizons in 2024.

About the Author

Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo, based in Sierra Leone, is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management from Central University Sierra Leone. Passionate about geospatial data and mapping, he actively engaged in various mapping projects and emerged as a 2023 YouthMappers Leadership Fellow. Ibrahim's commitment to community development is evident in his role as the chapter president of Central University YouthMappers from 2021 to 2022, where he notably contributed to the Mapping Power campaign and played a vital role in mapping financial institutions and learning facilities in the Mile 91 community.

Committed to youth empowerment, he founded the Youth with Creativity and Positive Mindset Network Sierra Leone, focusing on peace-building and community engagement. Ibrahim's impactful contributions have earned him recognition, including the title of Youth Peace Ambassador at the 2022 Sierra Leone National Youth Leadership Summit and being named one of the 50 Most Influential Students in Sierra Leone in 2022. Currently, he serves as a Research and Teaching Assistant at Central University Sierra Leone, actively contributing to research endeavors and supporting students in their learning journey